Hughes to face Nurmagomedov in October rematch

Paul Hughes will face Usman Nurmagomedov in a highly anticipated rematch in Dubai on 3 October.

The rivals will fight for the PFL lightweight world title, which was previously the Bellator title contested in their first bout.

Nurmagomedov, 27, beat Hughes by majority decision in an enthralling but controversial title bout in January, with many sympathising with the Irishman calling the judging “pretty ridiculous”.

The fight will be the co-main event of the PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai with Corey Anderson also taking on Dovlet Yagshimuradov for the PFL light heavyweight world title.

In the aftermath of what is considered one of the fights of the year, Nurmagomedov admitted he had “underestimated” Hughes.

Nurmagomedov, who is the cousin of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib, extended his unbeaten record to 19-0 with the win over Hughes.

It was a second career defeat for Hughes, 28, who has since taken his record to 14-2 with a 42-second stoppage of Bruno Miranda at the SSE Arena in May.

After that victory, he again called for a rematch with Nurmagomedov and has now got his wish.

The PFL created its new ‘world titles’ for some reigning champions like Nurmagomedov after downgrading the significance of their world tournament earlier this year.